Separable fastener



SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed June 29. 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet, 1

INVENTOR. NICHOLAS A. WAHL lN. A. WAHL SEPARABLE FASTENER Sept. 4, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 29, 1946 INVENTQR. NICHOLAS A. WAHL Sept 4 1951 `N. A. WAHL 2,567,160

SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed June 29, 1946' 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.. NICHOLAS A. WAHL Sept 4, 1951 N. AWAHL 2,567,160

SEPARABLE FASTENER` Filed June 29, 1946 l 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 i ArIvVEA/Tozz.y NICHOLAS A. WAHL SePt- 4, 1951 v N. A. WAHL. `2,567,160

SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed June 29, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 .if/'171 35 fly/l 40/ \4o \\36 fg, Q

NICHOLAS A. WAHL Sept. 4, 1951 N. A WAHL 2,567,160

SEP ARABLE FASTENER Filed June 29, 1946 6 SheetsSheet 6 I N VEN TOR.

NICHOLAS A. WAHL.

Dem/Mb Patented Sept. 4, 1951 SEPARABLE FASTENER Nicholas A. Wahl, New York, N. Y., assigner to Wahl Brothers, New York,- N. Y., a partnership Application June 29, 1946, Serial No. 680,483

13 Claims. (Cl. 24205.16)

This invention relates to a separable fastener, particularly to a'separable fastener fashioned in such a way as to provide a track or bead for guiding a slider used for separably joining and for releasing the stringers of the fastener.

A number of types of separable fasteners have been devised and used widely. One type comprises, broadly, a row of individual links or engaging elements secured at regular intervals on a runner, such as a cord, which maintains rlgular spacing of the engaging elements, each link having hooks and eyes or other means to separably engage the eyes and hooks, respectively, of a similar row of links secured to another runner. The links and runner are assembled' in a tape to form the conventional link stringer and the tape may then be sewn, or otherwise secured, to the goods to be separably joined. In some instances the links may be secured directly to the edge of the tape. A number of ways have been devised for securing individual links to a cord in accurately spaced alignment, one way consisting in fashion' g the root of 'each individual link, i. e., the end of the link removed from the endA provided with a hook and eye, in the form of a split ring so that it may be clamped onto a cord longitudinally positioned with respect to the rows of links. A number of ways have been devised for assembling a runner carrying a row of such links in a tape.

Another type of separable fastener has been devised comprising, broadly, a coil stringer consisting of a row of filament loops, which constitute the engaging elements, secured in spaced' relationship longitudinally along a tape and adapted to nestle within and engage in positive interlocking fashion a row of similarfbut oppositely wound, filament loops secured longitudinally along another tape. As in the prior instance, the tapes having the rows of lament loops assembled therein may be sewn or otherwise secured to pieces of fabric or other goods which it is desired to separably join.

The filament loops just described may be prepared conveniently from a wire or plastic lament in the form of an elongated continuous coil, usually of approximately helicoidal form. One segment of each loop of the coil then serves as an engaging element to engage the loops of a similar but oppositely wound coil, and the segment of a loop which lies between and joins two such engaging elements serves as a short flexible runner to maintain spacing of the two engaging elements. When the coil is assembled in a tape the cooperating action of the runner and the tape serves effectively to keep the engaging elements in fixed spaced relationship. It has been found that operation of such a separable fastener to secure accurate engagement and better holding of the separably joined stringers may be facilitated by having each loop of the coil deformed slightly so that the separate loops are each somewhat non-circular, e. g., ovoid or elliptical, in appearance when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coil. Other irregularities in the individual loops of the coil are frequently provided to promote better holding and smoother operation.

The usual method for assembling a coil, such as that described, in a tape has consisted in providing a tapev having a number of the warp threads, or longitudinal threads, near its center omitted, placing the tape and coil in parallel longitudinal relationship with the coil over the portion of the tape where there are no warp threads, and then pushing the coil through this portion of the tape. In this manner, each Woof thread, or cross thread, passes between the forward edges of two adjoining convolutions or loops of the coil and engages and lies across the inside of the rearward section of a loop. The marginal sections of the tape, having both warp and Woof threads, are folded together and then usually sewn or otherwise joined along a line adjacent v,the coil. In this way. the Woof threads anchor the tape to the coil.

When, however, a pair of link or coil stringers, such as those described, are separably joined with a slider in the usual manner, it is not uncommon for the protruding edge of the slider, which serves to guide and draw the engaging elements together into interlocking relationship, to slip between two of the links or loops when the stringer is bent sharply just ahead of the slider and thus to disengage the slider from the Stringer. This is especially rlikely to occur in the case of separable fasteners having coil stringers. In addition to causing annoyance it is difficult to reassemble the slider and Stringer in proper relationship. Largely because of this tendency separable fasteners, particularly those having coil stringers, have not enjoyed the Wide usage that their advantages `over other types of fasteners justify, and it is apparent that ary method or device for overcoming the difficulty described would be of great value.

An additional disadvantage of separable fasteners having coil stringers as heretofore made has been the tendency of the coils to turn somewhat after being assembled in a tape so that 31 when two of such coils are separably joined, the portions of the loops of the two coils oiering best engagement and maximum holding are not presented to each other.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an improved separable fastener not subject to certain disadvantages inherentin the heretofore known separable fasteners.

An additional object is to provide a separable fastener having a coil or link Stringer in which a stringer is not subject to disengagement from the slider while the stringers are being separably joined.

An additional object is to provide a separable fastener wherein the engaging elements are at :least partially covered and hidden from view when the stringers are separably joined.

These and related objects are accomplished readily and economically by assembling a row of engaging elements, e. g., a row of individual links or of loops of a continuous coil, in a tape of such form that the tape will provide a continuous track or bead lying snugly against the outside of the row of elements adjacent to the line of joining of the tape and the elements, and extending an appreciable distance around the elements. A tape suitable for use in making the separable fastener of the present invention is described ina concurrently illed copending application Serial No. 680,484, now United States Patent 2,432,841. When a pair of such stringers are separably joined, the projecting edges of the slider engage and slide along the continuous track or bead so formed rather than the surfaces of the individual links or loops of the stringer and there is thus no`possibility for the projecting edge of the slider to pass between the separate links or loops and for the slider and stringer to become disengaged.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawing wherein, for the sake of clarity, the parts are shown greatly enlarged and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective, partly cut away, of a strnger tape for a separable fastener embodying the features of the invention and shown, for the sake of clarity, in a partially folded position.

Figure 2 is the same as Figure 1 showing a different construction of the tape of Figure l.

Figure 3 is an end elevation, partly in section, of the tape of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an end elevation, partly in section of a tape for a separable fastener of the invention showing still another arrangement of the parts.

Figure 5 is an end elevation, partly in section, of the tape of Figure 1, partly in section, in a position to receive a coil, also shown, for assembly therein.

Figure 6 is the same as Figure 5 with the coil moved part way into assembled position.

Figure 7 is an end elevation, partly in section, of a coil stringer embodying the features of the invention.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a separable fastener having coils assembled in a tape and showingl the coils partly in interlocking relationship and partly in separated relationship, together with a slicgr for separably joining and releasing the coi Figure 9 is a view taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is an end elevation, partly in section, of a slider and a pair of individual interlocking links assembled in tapes providing tracks or beads for guiding the slider.

Figure 11 is an end elevation, partly in section,

showing yet another form of tape useful in making the separable fastener of the invention.

Figure 12 is an end elevation, partly in section of a coil Stringer consisting of a coil assembled in a tape and embodying still other features of the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is illustrated a tape suitable for use in constructing the separable fastener of the invention and having two marginal sections, shown generally at I0 and II. composed of warp and woof threads. The two marginal sections, which for better understanding of the invention are shown arranged as in parallel planes, are not coextensive but the warp threads I4 and I5 along one edge of each, referred -to herein as the inner edges of the marginal sections. are spaced from one another. Certain of the -woof threads, I2 in the marginal section I0 and I6 in the marginal section I I, extend in a direction tranverse to the warp threads only as far as the edges of the respective marginal sections' I0 and i I and, after passing around the innermost warp threads Il and I5, respectively, return to the outer edge of the section. Certain other of the Woof threads I3.are common to both marginal sections of the tape and extend across both marginal sections IIJ'and II as well as across the space separating the inner edges of the marginal sections. The marginal sections IU and II are thus connected along their inner edges I4 and I5 by lengths of woof threads I3 which are common to -both sections. These particular woof threads are referred to conveniently as primary tie threads. Although it is preferable that the primary tie threads I3 be spaced in groups, e. g., in pairs, at regular ntervals* longitudinally along the tape and that the remaining woof threads I2 and I 6 extend only across the marginal sections I0 and I I, respectively, as described, thus leaving a series of openings or regions in the tapa-bounded by the tie threads I3 and by the inner edges of the marginal sections Il) and II, which are free of both warp and woof threads, this particular construction is by no means essential to the satisfactory use and functioning of the tape. If desired, all Woof threads may be common to both marginal sections.

In addition to the primary tie threads just described, other tie threads I1 and I8, herein referred to as secondary tie threads, are provided which extend between the two marginal sections I0 and II of the tape from points therein removed from the inner edges of the marginal sections. One convenient way of fabricating a tape having a secondary tie thread I1 of the nature described consists in weaving the secondary tie thread as a warp thread at the ,proper location for a certain distance in the marginal section II, as shown at 2|, then carrying it across to the other marginal section I0, as at vI'I, weaving it as a warp thread in the marginal section I0 for a corresponding distance, as shown at 22, and then carrying it back across to the irst marginal section II, and repeating the process. Generally speaking, two such secondary tie threads, as I1 and I8, are woven into the marginal sections in such manner that they cross from one marginal section to the other at the same point, but running in opposite directions, and thus form a double secondary tie thread. Another complementary pair of secondary tie threads I9 and 20 may also be woven into the tape in similar fashion so that they extend between the marginal sections at points aiternating with the erst pair l1 and'ls.

Similarly, still other pairs or groups of supplementary tie threads may be woven into and positioned along the tape at desired intervals. The relative positions of the various members of Figure 1 are clearly apparent from an inspection of Figure 3.

A preferred type for use in constructing the separable fastener of the invention comprises a tape as shown in Figures l and 2 wherein at least some or all of the secondary tie threads I1. I 8, I3 and 20 of Figure 1 and 21 and 28 of Figure 2 and of the warp threads I4 and 23, and I5 and 24 of that portion of each of the marginal sections I0 and II lying between the inner edges of the marginal sections and the points of securing of the secondary tie threads to the marginal sections are considerably heavier than the warp threads 25 and 2B of the portions of the marginal section lying beyond or. outside the points of securing of the secondary tie threads to the marginal sections. The reasons for these differences in weight will become apparent from the discussion of Figure '1.

In assembling -a row of engaging elements consisting of the loops of a continuous coilin such a tape, the tape is spread out as at as possible, as in Figure 5, and the coil 33, while held longitudinally parallel with the tape, is presented to the side of the tape Where it rst encounters the secondary tie threads I1 and I8. The coil 33' is then pushed through the tape, in a direction referred to as the forward direction, indicated by the arrow, between the marginal sections, the secondary tie threads I1 and I8 and, later. the primary tie threads I3, entering between the separate loops of the coil.

The relative positions of the parts in an intermediate stage in the assembly operation are shown in Figure 6. Here the secondary tie threads I1 and I8 have passed between adjacent loops of the coil 33, i. e., between the segments of the loops which constitute the engaging elements, but have been arrested and lie cross the inner surface of one of the loops at the rearward side of the coil, i. e., across the portion of a loop which serves as a runner to connect two of the engagingr elements and the primary tie threads I3 have entered part way between the engaging elements. The forward movement of the coil 33 is continued as far as possible and the marginal portions of the tape are then drawn tightly together over the rearward side of the coil, as in Figure '1. Although not always necessary, it is frequently advisable to sew the marginal sections of the tape.

as at 34, longitudinally along a line closely adjacent to the coil. l

The relationships between the different parts of the coil 33,-the marginal sections of the tape, the primary tie threads I3, the secondary tie threads I1 and I8, and the sewing thread 3A. in an assembled separable fastener of the invention are shown clearly in Figure '1. Secondary tie threads I1 and I8 and primary tie threads I3 engage the inner surface of the rearward segment or runner portion of each loop of the coil and hold vthe portion of each marginal section having heavy warp threads 24 and I5, and 23 and I4, respectively, tightly longitudinally along the outer surface of the coil. The portions of the marginal sections of the tape lying between the inner edges thereof and the points of securing of the secondary tie threads I1 and I8 thereto thus extend for a substantial distance around the outside of the coil from the point of sewing 34 of the sections of the tape and thus form a continuous track or bead along which a slider may move for separably joining and for separating the stringers. Due to the extra heavy nature of the warp threads I4, 23, I5 and 24, as explained previously, a sturdy and rugged track orbead is provided without at the same time having the port-ions of the marginal sections which are not bound to the coils so heavy as to be cumbersome or unattractive.

An assembled and partially closed separable coil fastener, embodying the features of the invention and employing a tape similar to that described and shown in Figure l, is seen in Figure 8 wherein the function of the bead is somewhat `more clearly apparent. It is seen from Figure 8 that there is no chance for the protruding edge of the slider 36 to pass between adjoining loops of the coil regardless of how sharply the Stringer is bent immediately in front of the slider because all the openings between the separate loops through which the protruding edge of the slider might pass are adequately covered by the fabric bead 40. This is clearly apparent from an inspection of Figure 9 wherein is shown a pair of interlocked coils 31 and 38, each assembled in a tape 39, similar to that shown in Figure 1 so as to provide a track or bead 40 along which the protruding edge 35 of the slider 36 moves during joining and separating of the stringers 31 and 38.

The utilization of a tape similar to that of Figure l in the construction of separable fasteners of the invention having engaging elements consisting of a row of individual links is illustrated clearly in Fig-ure 10 wherein a pair of such links 4I and 42 are shown in interlocking relationship. Interlocking of the links is accomplished by means of hooks 44 and cooperating eyes, not shown, formed in the links. The root of each link is forme das a split ring and is clamped around a cord or runner 43 to maintain proper spacing and alignment of the links. The row of links clamped on the runner is then assembled in a tape, having woven marginal sections with primary and secondary tie threads extending between them as described heretofore, in a manner entirely analogous to that described for assembling a coil in such a tape. The tape forms a continuous bead 4-5 lying longitudinally along the rows of links covering the roots of the links and providing a continuous track held securely against the row of links for the protruding edges 41 of the slider 46 to slide along.

Alternatively, either the primary tie threads or the secondary tie threads, or both, may be formed by sewing across from one marginal section of the tape to the other with the sections in spaced relationship as with sewing threads 21 and 28 of Figure 2 and sewing threads A48 and 49, and and 5I of Figure 11. Any convenient type of stitching may be used in forming such primary or secondary tie threads by sewing, two such types being illustrated at 29 and 30 respectively in Figure 2. When formed by sewing as just described, or otherwise, the primary tie threads are secured along, and preferably as near as possible to, the inner edges of the marginal sections of the tape so as to hold the edges of the tape tightly against the engaging elements. It is not essential that all of the tie threads lie in parallel planes. In some instances, as will be hereinafter noted, it is highly desirable that some of the tie threads be formed so as to lie at an angle with respect to other of the tie threads, two of such angular primary Vtie threads 3I and 32 being illustrated clearly in Figure 4. Other ways of forming secondary tie threads and other positions which aseigico l 1 they may occupy .will be apparent to those fa'- miliar with the art and the present invention is not limited in these reSDBtS It is apparent that the length of the tie threads extending between the marginal sections of the tape will depend largely upon the dimensions of the coil or row. of links to be assembled therein; The primary and supplementary tie threads should, when the Stringer is assembled, be under tension and hold the bead or track tightly against the row of engaging elements.

Although, the primary and secondary tie threads are frequently of such length that the track-forming portions of the marginal sections are substantially parallel when spread apart so as to tension the tie threads, one modication of the invention contemplates the use of a tape having secondary tie threads longer than the primary tie threads. When a row of engaging elementsis assembled in such a tape it is possible to sew the two marginal sections longitudinally adjacent the row of elements so as to catch the ends of the long secondaryv tie threads in the seam. This adds considerable to the ability of the finished fastener to withstand a strong lateral strain. The same effect is obtained in a coil stringer when the cross section of the lament is small with respect to the total width of the coil. In this case the secondary tie threads, which must be long enough to permit the coil to pass between the marginal sections of the tape at the points of attachment of the secondary tie threads thereto, are suflciently long to pass around the filament and be caught in a seam longitudinal of the tape and adjacent the coil. Such an assembly of a coil in a tape having secondary tie threads longer than the primary tie threads is illustrated in Figure 12 wherein the secondary tie threads 49 are longer than the primary tie threads I3 and are caught in the seam formed by sewing with the thread 34.

I claim:

1. In a separable fastener, the combination including: a row of engaging elements arranged in regular spaced relationship; spacing means secured to and extending between adjacent engaging elements; a tape parallel with the row of engaging elements and comprising a pair of marginal sections extending laterally in either direction at least partially around the row of ele- `ments; and primary and secondary tie threads extending between the marginal sections and passing on the same side of the spacing means between adjacent engaging elements to secure the marginal sections in tightly tting relationship to the sides of the engaging elements, each primary tie thread extending between one marginal section and the inner edge of the other marginal section and each secondary tie thread extending between points removed from the inner edges of the two marginal sections.

2. In a separable fastener, the combination lnedges of the two marginal sections; and a sewing thread parallel with the row of engaging elements and on the other side of the spacing meansV from the primary and secondary tie threads cluding: a row of engaging elements arranged in regular spaced relationship; spacing means secured to and extending between adjacent engaging elements; a tape parallel with the row of engaging elements comprising marginal sections extending laterally at least partially around the row of elements; primary and secondary tie threads extending between the marginal sections and passing on the same side of the spacing means between adjacent engaging elements to secure the marginal sections in tightly tting relationship to the sides of the engaging elements, each primary tie thread extending between one binding the marginal sections in face to face contact with one another. A

3.- 'I'he combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein the row of engaging elements is a series of individually formed links.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein the row of engaging elements are segments of individual loops of a continous longitudinal coil.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1 'wherein the row of engaging elements are segments of individual loops of a coiled plastic iliament.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein the secondarytie threads are heavier than the primary tie threads. 7. 'Ihe combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least the primary tie threads are sewn threads extending between the lateral extensions of the marginal sections of thetape.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 1 where at least the secondary tie threads are sewn thieads extending between the lateral extensions of the marginal sections of the tape.

9. In a separable fastener, the combination in-.- cluding: a row of engaging elements secured at regular intervals along a runner; a tape parallel with the rlmner and comprising marginal sections extending laterally atleast partially around the row of engaging elements; primary tie threads extending between the edges of the lateral extensions of the tape; secondary tie threads extending between the lateral extensions of the marginal sections of the tape from points ra.- moved substantially from the edges thereof, said primary and secondary tie threads passing between the engaging elements on one side of the runner; and a seam parallel with and on the other side of the runner binding the marginal sections at the bases of the lateral extensions thereof in face to face contact, said tie threads holding the lateral extensions of the marginal sections in xed position longitudinally along the sides of the row of engaging elements.

10. In a separable fastener, the combination including: a row of engaging elements secured at regular intervals along a runner.; a tape parallel with the runner woven of warp and Woof threads and comprising marginal sections extending lat-- erally at least partially around the row of engaging elements; primary tie threads comprising Woof threads common to both marginal sections of the tape and extending between the edges of the marginal sections; secondary tie threads comprising warp threads woven in the marginal sections of the tape and extending at regular intervals between the marginal sections, said primary and secondary tie threads passing between the engaging elements on one side of the runner; and a seam parallel with and on the other side of the runner binding the marginal sections firmly in face-to-face contact at the bases of the lateral extensions thereof, said tie threads binding the lateral extensions of the marginal sections in xed position longitudinally along the side of the' row of engaging elements.

11. The combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least some of the warp threads forming the secondary tie threads are heavier than the woof threads of the tape.

12. The combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least some of the warp threads lying between the seam and the edges of the lateral extensions 'of the marginal sections of the tape are heavier than the Woofv threads.

`13. In a separabie fastener, the combination including: a row of engaging elements secured at regular intervals along a runner; a tape parallel with the runner and comprising marginal sections extending laterally at least partially around the row of engaging elements; primary and secondary tie threads extendingbetween the lateral extensions of the marginal sections and passing between the engaging elements on one side of the runner; and a seam parallel with andi" on the other side of the runner binding the marginal sections at the bases of the lateral ex- 1 0 tensions thereof in face-to-face contact. said tie threads binding the lateral extensions of the marginal sections in xed position longitudinally along thesides of the row of engaging elements to form a track for engaging the projecting edges of the slider to prevent passage of the projecting edges between adjacent engaging elements.

NICHOLS A. WAHL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent: f

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

